Abstract
The Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK and PI3K/PTEN/Akt/mTOR cascades are often activated by genetic alterations in upstream signaling molecules such as receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK). Integral components of these pathways, Ras, B-Raf, PI3K, and PTEN are also activated/inactivated by mutations. These pathways have profound effects on proliferative, apoptotic and differentiation pathways. Dysregulation of these pathways can contribute to chemotherapeutic drug resistance, proliferation of cancer initiating cells (CICs) and premature aging. This review will evaluate more recently described potential uses of MEK, PI3K, Akt and mTOR inhibitors in the proliferation of malignant cells, suppression of CICs, cellular senescence and prevention of aging. Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK and Ras/PI3K/PTEN/Akt/mTOR pathways play key roles in the regulation of normal and malignant cell growth. Inhibitors targeting these pathways have many potential uses from suppression of cancer, proliferative diseases as well as aging.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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Cell Line, Tumor
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Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / metabolism
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Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / pathology
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Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases / antagonists & inhibitors*
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Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases / metabolism
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Humans
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MAP Kinase Signaling System / drug effects
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Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinases / antagonists & inhibitors*
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Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinases / metabolism
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Neoplasms / drug therapy
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Neoplasms / enzymology
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PTEN Phosphohydrolase / antagonists & inhibitors*
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PTEN Phosphohydrolase / metabolism
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Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases / metabolism
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Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt / antagonists & inhibitors*
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Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt / metabolism
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TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases / antagonists & inhibitors*
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TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases / metabolism
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raf Kinases / antagonists & inhibitors*
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raf Kinases / metabolism
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ras Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors*
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ras Proteins / metabolism
Substances
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MTOR protein, human
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Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt
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TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases
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raf Kinases
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Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases
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Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinases
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PTEN Phosphohydrolase
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PTEN protein, human
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ras Proteins